Applicator and control means therefor



Apm 27; 193%;

G Nl WOOD APPLICATo AND CONTROL MEANS THEREFOR FiledA Deo. v 17, 1934 2'sheets-,sheet 1 INvEN-ro' 61. EN Woo Aprily 27, M937. 'G. M. WOOD www `APPLICATOR AND CONTROL MEANS THEREFOR Filed Deo.

17, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented pr. 27, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENToFFlcE APPrJcAToR AND CONTROL MEANS 'rHEaEFoR 6 Claims.

(Cl. 12S-401) This invention relates to improvements in apthe tube issealingly engaged with a gasket Ill.

plicators, and to applicator control systems for applying dry heat tovarious cavities of the body, at any desired temperature and'whiledilating pressure is applied to the cavity wall. The general use of suchdevices for obtaining an even distributionof heat and creating hyperemiceffects is well known..

Featuresof the invention include: the heating of the liquid afterintroduction into the applicator and while the applicator is in thecavity, as distinguished from heating the liquid at some remote pointand circulating it through the tubular elements of the inserted portionof the applicator by use of a rotary pump; the use of a stiffinsertion-tube surrounded by an elastic insertiontube which is expandedafter insertion into the cavity; the regulation of pressure by means ofa gravity acting device, as distinguished from a rotary pump; the use ofa relatively4 large number of ne openings in the stii insertion-tube ofthe apparatus for local agitation of the water as it is introduced intothe expansible insertiontube; the use of a thermostatic device forautomatically stopping heater action at a predetermined high temperatureto prevent over-heating; the use of a thermometer as a check on thethermostatic device; and all details of construction of the disclosure.Y

Objects, features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description of the drawings 'forming a part ofthis application, andin said drawings Figure 1 is a plan section with the handle clo- `35sure plate removed;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of Figure 1 with the casings and insertiontubes removed, but showing the handle closure plate in position;

Figure 3 is a cross-section of the insertion `4.0 tubes on line 3 3 ofFigure 1;

Figure 4 is a cross-section through the handle on line 4-4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a cross-section on lineY 5--5 of Figure I with the closureplate removed;

Figure 6 is a schematic view of the system, partly in section; I Figure'l is a vertical section of the gravityoperable liquid pressure-creatingdevice; and

Figure 8 is a plan section on line 8 8 of Fig- 50 ure 7. 4

The applicator includes a mount or mounting member comprising in thisinstance a disk section 2 having exteriorly a left-hand thread il, and acylindrical section or extension 5 having 55 exteriorly a right-handthread 6. With the threads are engaged the threads of the inner end of astiff applicator tube 1 having a somewhat pointed outer end which isradially slitted as at 8. The tube 'I also has rows of perfora- A6,0tions indicated at 9. The inner flanged end `of Fitting over the tubeand in threaded engagement with the left-hand threads of the disk 2 is acap sleeve Ii serving to clampingly secure the flange of the tubeagainst the gasket. Fitted overV the inner end of this cap sleeve is asleeve I3 which forms a handle for the applicator. In assembly, the tube'I is first screwed into place. T'hen the handle sleeve is introducedover the end of the perforated tube 'I and moved rearwardly to aposition beyond the threads 4, then the cap sleeve I I is screwed toposition, and then the forward part of the handle of the sleeve is rttedover the reduced portion I5 of the cap sleeve. The tube 'l and handlesleeve serve to enclose and protect substantially all of the parts ofthe applicator.

The mount has therethrough an opening 20 which communicates with a waterpipe 2| suitably connected as by soldering to the mount. The pipe 2|passes through an opening in a closure piece 22, capping the end of thehandle, and is connected by means of exible tubing 23 with the outerendof a valve tting 24 of pump cylinder 25.` This fitting communicateswith the lower end of the cylinder and has a valve 26. The cylinder, as.a supply reservoir, is filled With the required amount of water. Thecylinder has a piston 21 and rod 28 operable by knob 29. A weight 30 isdetachably secured to the rod, over the piston, and acts by gravity todeliver water under pressure to the applicator tube. Weights ofdifferent sizes are provided to vary the pressure within a range of fromtwo to four pounds, and an indicator gauge is provided so that thepressure may be known to .the operator. When it is desired to empty theapplicator'tube', the operator pulls the piston upwardly and the wateris sucked into the reservoir.

On the outer side of the applicator tube is arranged an elastic andtherefore eXpansible container 32. A rubber tube having an outer closedend is used, and this tube is drawn over the, stiff tube I and sealinglysecured at the inner end as shown. When the valve 26 is opened, watercan be forced into the tube 'I through its agitator openings and intothe elastic container, to expand it, for smoothing out the mucosa,preparatory to the application of heat. After the treatment iscompleted, the water is Withdrawn by suction action. For sanitarypurposes, the Jtube 32 is extended rearwardly to cover the ,handle orsleeve I3, the tube being sealingly secured only at the circumferentialdepression of the cap sleeve II.

, Means is provided by which air can be displaced from the elasticwalled container as the water is forced into it, and by which air canenter the container as water is sucked out of it. This is accomplishedby providing a tube 35 which opens near the outer end of the stiff tube1.

This tube 35 traverses the mount to project at the opposite side, andpass within the handle. A check valve casing 35 is attached to the endof the tube to project beyond the closure 22. The check valve 3l may beopened by the finger to allow air to escape through opening 38. Duringthe filling operation the applicator is tilted so that the outer intakeend of the air tube is at a higher level than that of the point of entryof the water from the piston controlled reservoir.

Means is also provided for applying heat to the liquid afterintroduction into the container, and while the container is in thecavity to be treated. I believe I am the first to heat the fluid afterit is inside the cavity or orice being treated. An electrical heatingmeans 40, such as a coil, is employed and this means is arranged asshown in a copper tube 4| attached to and traversing the mount. Asuitable circuit is provided including a switch generally designated 42.

To regulate the temperature of the liquid in the elastic container andto prevent over-heating, I employ a thermostatic device adapted to openthe switch and cut off current to the heater at a predetermined upperlimit of temperature.

I provide temperature regulating and temperature indicating systems,which include a tube 43 which passes through the mount. This tubeextends within the stiff tube, and that end within the stiff tube isclosed. To this closed end is attached another tube or bulb 44 whichextends well toward the outer end of the stil tube 'l and which containsether as an expansion element forming part of the thermostaticregulating system. To safeguard against failure of the thermostaticdevice and therefore to guard against burning the tissue byover-heating, I mount a thermometer 46 in the tube 43. The thermometerbulb 41 is responsive to the temperature of the liquid in the stifftube. The tube 43 has a cross-sectionally enlarged portion projectingbeyond closure 22 of the handle, and this part is cut out as at 48. Thescale of the thermometer is observable by the operator through thecut-out. Thus, if the thermometer reading indicates a higher temperaturethan desired, current to the heater may be interrupted by pulling awall-plug 50 rather than by waiting for thermostatic action to open theswitch.

The thermostatic system, includes the switch 42 controlling current tothe electric heater and the ether filled bulb 44. Mounted on thethermometer housing tube 43 are three brackets, respectively designated5|, 52 and 53. To the bracket 53 is attached one end of a bellows 54,the free end of which is adapted to abuttingly engage a rod 55 whichslides in the bracket 5l. Rotation of the rod is prevented by across-pin 5S engaged in the slot 5l in an extension 58 of the free endof the bellows. A switch arm Bil is attached to the sliding rod 55 andhas thereon one contact 6I of a switch. The contact is suitablyinsulated from the bracket. A spring 62 is interposed between this armand the bracket 5I to move the rod and arm toward the bellows toswitch-closed position. The end of the rod 55 is initially slightlyspaced from the bellows to allow expansion of the bellows before itengages the rod. Slidably mounted in the middle bracket 52 is a rod 63carrying the other suitably insulated contact 64 of the switch. This rod63 is slidable in a sleeve 66 attached to bracket 53 and has a cross-pinoperating in slot 65, whereby rotation of the rod is prevented, andwhereby it is properly held for translation. 'I'he rod is preferablymade ofl insulating material. A sleeve extension 6l at the opposite sideof the bracket 53 has a rod 68 in threaded engagement therewith, and theend of this rod 68 abuts the end of the contact rod 63. "The rod 68extends outwardly beyond the closure 22, so that the operator maymanipulate it to adjust the switching system relatively to the bellows,to vary the spacing between the end of rod 55 and the free end of thebellows. This adjustment is made against the action of a spring 63a. Aquarter turn of the rod will give Variable regulation Within a range,for example of 108 to 130 F.

To cause the thermostat to break circuit at a higher temperature, therod is turned to move the switching elements, in this instance towardthe left, against the action of the spring 62 to in turn move the end ofthe rod a greater distance away from the bellows so that the bellowswill have to expand in greater degree to open the heater switch. Thebellows is connected with the ether tube by means of a pipe 1U as shown.A filler opening for introduction of ether is indicated at 1I and isclosed by a suitable cap l2.

The heater circuit includes line 13 connecting with plug 50. The returnline from the plug is indicated at 14, and has a connection with oneside of the switch as shown at 'i5 and also has a branch connection 16which passes through a condenser ll. The opposite side of the condenseris connected by wire to the opposite switch Contact as at 19. A wire 'I3runs from l1 to the other side of the heater as shown. The condenseracts to reduce sparking at the switch to a minimum.

A feature of this invention is the pressure regulation by means of agravity acting device. The pressure can be adjusted by changing theweights and a series of different weights is provided any one of whichmay be placed on the piston. In this way, the pressure can be definitelylimited to the single one decided upon, and no over-pressure results. Noexpensive pumping apparatus is necessary. There are few adjustments, theonly adjustment being that of the thermostat.

The piston operable liquid control device has in some claims beenreferred to as of the noncirculating type to distinguish it from thepump type in which a separate pressure line and a separate suction lineare necessary.

It is noted that the applicator bag or elasticwalled container is filledor distended after it is in place, and that the fluid is heated by meanswhich is also within the cavity or orifice being treated. A feature is,therefore, the heating of the liquid when in the container, asdistinguished from heating it at a remote point and pumping it throughtubular elements to the container.

Another feature is the arrangement of the openings in the metal tube ofthe applicator, the relatively large number of openings, and the nenessof the same.

In my device, a single rubber applicator can be used and re-used. Allthat it needs between uses is proper sterilization. The rubber stall orelastic-walled tube is easy lto insert, after being coated withlubricant. It can be very cheaply made. Before inflation, the rubbertube hugs the metal tube closely, and thus insertion is facilitated. Theapplication of heat is gradual, no over-heating can occur, and theopening temperature of the switch is easy to regulate according toneeds. The thermostat will shut olf Within half a degree or less of thedesired temperature.Y The device is very compact. Most of g the parts,wi'th the exception of the pressure device and the connecting tube, arehoused within the handle and stii tube. The reading of the thermometercan be easily taken.

A check valve is provided which is manually operable to allow escape ofair during lling and which is automatically operable to admit air duringwithdrawal of the liquid from the perforate tube and the elasticcontainer.

It will be understood that there is no intention to limit the inventionto the size oi applicator. Although the device herein illustrated isdesigned for rectal and vaginal work, the invention is applicable todevices for treatment of ear, eye, nose, throat, palate, etc.

I claim as my invention:

1. An applicator comprising, an expandible elastic container adapted tocontact and smooth out the tissue of a body oriice when inserted thereinand expanded, means within the container and to which said container isattached and through which liquid can be forced to expand said elasticcontainer, electrically operable means surrounded by the container forheating said liquid including a circuit having a switch, thermostaticmeans responsive to the temperature of iuid in the expandible container,to automatically open said switch when the liquid reaches apredetermined temperature, a thermometer in part within the containerand responsive to the temperature of the liquid therein and having ascale visible to the operator while the applicator is in use, means bywhich displacement of air is permitted from the expandible containerduring filling thereof, means for adjusting the thermostatic means tovary the opening temperature of the switch. v

2. An applicator comprising, a stiff perfor-ate tube adapted forinsertion in an oricial opening, an expansibleelastic containersurrounding said tube and adapted to retain liquid, means by whichliquid can be introduced under pressure into said tube for expanding it,an electrical heater in said tube and a circuit for the heater iincluding a switch, thermostatic means for controlling the switch toopen it at a predetermined vtemperature including a temperatureresponsive part within said tube, means allowing displacement of airfrom said tube as the liquid enters it, a thermometer having a bulb insaid tube and having a scale visible to the operator while theapplicator is in use.

3. An applicator comprising, a stiff perforate tube adapted forinsertion in an oricial opening, an expansible elastic containersurrounding said tube, means detachably securing said container to saidtube to adapt said elastic container to retain liquid, means by whichliquid can be introduced under pressure into said tube for expansion ofsaid elastic container and withdrawn by suction action, an electricalheater for heating the liquid after introduction into the tubularelement and a circuit for the heater including a switch, thermostaticmeans for controlling the switch to open it at a predeterminedtemperature including a part responsive to the Visible to the operatorwhile the applicator is in use.

4. An applicator comprising a stiff periorate tube adapted for insertionin an oricial opening, an expansible elastic container surrounding saidtube and adapted to retain liquid, means by which liquid can beintroduced under pressure into said tube for expansion of said elasticcontainer, including a pipe in said tube, means for heating the fluidincluding a heater in said tube, thermostatic means for limiting theheating temperature of the heating means, a thermometer responsive tothe temperature of the liquid in the container including a bulb in saidtube and having a scale visible to the operator while the applicator isbeing used, means by which air can be released from and admitted to saidtube respectively during filling and withdrawal of the liquid includinga pipe in said tube, a common mounting element for said stiff tube,heater, pipes and bulb, and a handle for the applicator detachablysecured to said mounting element.

5. An applicator comprising, a mounting element, a stiff perforate tubeadapted for insertion in an orificial opening, a sleeve operatively anddetachably securing the tube to the mounting element, an expansibleelastic container surrounding said tube and adapted to retain liquid,means detachably securing said container to said stiff tube, a hollowhandle for the applicator detachably secured to said sleeve, means bywhich liquid can be introduced under pressure into said tube forexpansion of said elastic container, means within the tube for heatingthe fluid, thermostatic means within the handle responsive to the liquidwithin the tube for limiting the heating temperature of said liquid, athermometer passing through the handle and responsive to the temperatureof the liquid in the container and having a scale visible to theoperator while the applicator is being used, means by which air can bereleased from and admitted to said container respectively during fillingand withdrawal of the liquid, and means within the handle for adjustingthe thermostatic means to cause the heating means to stop heating atdifferent temperatures.

6. An applicator comprising a mounting element, a stiff perforate tubeadapted for insertion in an orii'lcial opening and detachably secured tosaid mounting element, a sleeve operatively and detachably securing thetube to the mounting element, an expansible elastic containersurrounding said tube and adapted to retain liquid, detachable meanspressing a part of said elastic container against the sleeve to make awatertight connection, a hollow handle for the applicator detachablysecured to said sleeve, means by which liquid can be introduced throughsaid mounting and into said tube for expanding the elastic container,means for heating the iluid including electrical resistance means withinthe stiff tube, thermostatic means within the handle for regulating theheating action of said resistance heater, a thermometer having a bulb`within the stiff tube and responsive to the temperature of the liquidand passing through the handle and having a scale visible to theoperator while the applicator is being used, means including a passagein the mounting and a tube connected with the passage by which air canbe released from and admitted to the container respectively duringfilling and withdrawal of the liquid,

GLEN MASON WOOD.

